Why Saskatoon?

Saskatoon is the largest city in Saskatchewan and also one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. The 2011 Canadian Census indicated Saskatoon Metropolitan Area had a population of 222,189 residents and in the 2015 census Saskatoon has 304,975 residents. The population of the Saskatoon Metropolitan Area is up 27% from 2011. The forecasted growth of Saskatoon estimates the population to grow to over 380,000 people by 2035 although many people think this is a conservative estimate based on recent growth.

You will often hear Saskatoon referred to as the “City of Bridges” or the “Bridge City”. This is a result of the seven river crossings in Saskatoon with several more planned over the next several years. The city is split by the South Saskatchewan River which has allowed the city to develop large portions of the river front providing scenic walking trails for residents and visitors to enjoy. Often in the spring, summer and fall you will find hundreds of people walking, running or biking along the river. The other nickname you may hear the city called is “Sunshine Capital of Canada” as Saskatoon receives more sunshine than any other city in Canada throughout the year. This is also represented in the cities slogan “Saskatoon Shines”.

Saskatoon is a relatively young city with a median age of 34 years old compared to Regina (Saskatchewan’s second largest city) with a median age of 38 years old. Saskatoon carries the spirit and feeling of a small town combined with the amenities of a big city. Although Saskatoon is the seventeenth largest city in Canada, it is recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Saskatoon has a diverse and progressive multi-cultural community. Saskatoon has a vibrant performing arts community and holds many events and multi-cultural events throughout the year in various locations across the city. Some of my favourite events include the Fringe Festival, Taste of Saskatchewan, Top of the Hops, Wine Premiere, and the Saskatoon Folk Fest.

Saskatoon is home to the University of Saskatchewan which is one of Canada’s top universities. The U of S is the only Canadian University to house all 5 major science colleges and a major teaching hospital on the same campus. Saskatoon is also recognized as one of the world’s leading agricultural and biotechnology cities. This is demonstrated by the vast number of agriculture and biotechnology based companies in Saskatoon. In 2006 the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron opened which is largest science project in Canada in the past 30 years.

Saskatoon has one of the most diverse economies for any city across North America and one of the lowest job vacancy rates. Saskatchewan grows half of the entire quantity of Canada’s major export crops including wheat, barley, rye, flaxseed, and canola. Although agriculture is an important part of Saskatoon economy it is much more diverse than just agriculture and biotechnology. The Saskatoon region is home to two thirds of the word’s recoverable potash reserves. This has helped companies such as Potash Corp, whose head office is in Saskatoon, to flourish. It has also introduced other global mining companies such as BHP (the world’s largest mining company) to relocate their Canadian head office to Saskatoon. Northern Saskatchewan contains the world’s richest uranium deposits. With Saskatoon being the largest city in Saskatchewan it is a logical location for the head office of Cameco, one of the world’s largest uranium mining companies. Other major industries include oil and gas, gold, diamonds, coal, livestock and their spin off industries including construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Whether you are an existing resident or relocating to Saskatoon, there are endless activities to do in Saskatoon year round. One night you can take in the symphony and the next night you can take in a minor league sports game. With over 145 parks that cover 2300 acres of land there is no shortage of green space to enjoy the outdoors. Saskatoon continues to grow at a rapid pace which also means opportunities. The Saskatoon real estate market has been on steady growth for the past 5 years and there are no signs of it slowing down with new neighbourhoods being developed and the city and builders planning more in coming years. Be sure to check out the below video of Saskatoon.